Thousands Gather Across Dakota County for “No Kings” Protests, Large Turnouts in Burnsville and Eagan
Published: March 28th, 2026
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA: Thousands of residents across Dakota County joined a nationwide wave of demonstrations Saturday, March 28, 2026, as part of the growing “No Kings” protest movement, with significant turnouts reported in both Burnsville and Eagan.
The demonstrations were part of a coordinated national day of action that brought large crowds to cities and communities across Minnesota and the United States.
Large Crowds Gather in Burnsville
In Burnsville, hundreds of people lined both sides of County Road 42 and Burnhaven Drive late Saturday morning into the early afternoon. Organizers on scene had multiple people counting attendees, with an unofficial estimate of over 600, and protesters were visible at all four corners of the busy intersection. The crowd included a diverse mix of residents, ranging from younger participants to older adults. We are waiting for them to get back to us with their final attendee count.
Throughout the demonstration, dozens of passing vehicles honked their horns in support, creating a steady stream of audible encouragement from drivers traveling through the area.
Even Larger Turnout in Eagan
A significantly larger crowd gathered in Eagan, Minnesota, at the intersection of Yankee Doodle Road and Pilot Knob Road. Organizers there estimated between 1,500 and 2,000 in attendance, with protesters lining both sides of Yankee Doodle Road and extending down Pilot Knob Road. Just like Burnsville, car horns in support of the protesters could be heard, with only a couple of non-supporters seen during our time there.
The Eagan protest also drew the presence of several notable political figures and candidates.
Among those confirmed in attendance were U.S. Representative Angie Craig, who is currently running for a U.S. Senate seat, and Minnesota State Representative Liz Reyer, who is running for the Minnesota Senate seat currently held by Jim Carlson.
Also present was Christos Jensen, who is running for Reyer’s Minnesota House seat in District 52.
In a statement following the event, Angie Craig said:
“Today, folks in Eagan, Minnesota and across the nation are doing the most American thing – protesting Donald Trump's dangerous attacks on our democracy – and I was proud to stand alongside them in this fight. We will save democracy through democracy, and no community has proven that better than Minnesota.”
Also present was Christos Jensen, who is running for Reyer’s Minnesota House seat in District 52.
Photos provided to Limitless Media News by the campaign of Congresswoman Angie Craig.
Additional Political Presence at State Capitol
Additional participation was also noted at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, where large crowds gathered as part of the same day of demonstrations.
Among those confirmed to attend the Capitol protest was Laura Meier, who is also running for the District 52 Minnesota House seat.
Additional Demonstrations Across Dakota County
Beyond Burnsville and Eagan, additional “No Kings” protests were also held in other Dakota County communities, including Inver Grove Heights and Lakeville.
While crowd sizes at those locations were not immediately confirmed, their inclusion reflects the widespread local participation seen throughout the county as part of the broader statewide and national movement.
Minnesota at the Center of a National Movement
Saturday’s demonstrations were part of a broader national movement that has organized thousands of events across the country. Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro, saw especially strong participation, with major gatherings in both urban and suburban areas. The No Kings Flagship Rally was held at the Minnesota State Capitol, where it was projected that upwards of 100,000 people might attend.
Organizers have stated that the protests are intended to remain peaceful and nonviolent, focusing on visibility and civic engagement.
Growing Presence in Suburban Communities
While large-scale protests in major cities often draw national headlines, events like those in Burnsville and Eagan highlight a growing presence in suburban communities, where participation has expanded in recent years.
That trend was clearly visible Saturday, as key intersections in Dakota County became gathering points for hundreds, if not thousands, of residents voicing their views.
A Day of Visible Civic Engagement
Across Dakota County, Saturday’s demonstrations remained orderly, with participants standing along sidewalks and public right-of-ways, holding signs, chanting, and engaging with passing motorists.
From the steady stream of supportive honks in Burnsville to the large turnout in Eagan, the events reflected a strong level of civic participation at the local level, mirroring what was seen across Minnesota and the nation.
